Rating: 
Summary: Happy Happy Joy Joy
Review: "24 Hour Party People" was among the most entertaining motion pictures released in 2002, and easily one of the most engaging and innovative films that I've seen in years. Although certainly not for everyone, if you've an interest in the music industry, the UK indie scene, and/or Factory Records (of course) then this is mandatory viewing material.I'll not bore you with a summary of the plot...but it's no secret that there's almost as much fiction as fact in this comedic, documentary-style account of Tony Wilson and his legendary Factory record label. However, there are numerous exceptional portrayals of the central figures from Factory's sordid history, and the city of Manchester is a star in itself, functioning as the drab backdrop to the movie's colorful story. The DVD has two featurettes - a ten minute 'behind the scenes' piece (obligatory for almost all DVD releases) and a five minute quickie about the real Tony Wilson. Neither contain particularly engrossing content but they're welcome just the same. There are eleven deleted scenes, only a couple of which are really worth a toss (ironically, the cut scene with Vini Reilly that Steve Coogan's Tony Wilson actually references in the film isn't even included). There's a photo gallery with at least 40 stills taken during the film's production, although including pictures of the real people and places depicted in the movie would have made more sense. I've not listened to the running commentary by the real Tony Wilson or his celluloid facsimile, but I understand that both are enlightening. With the exception of the James Bond series, MGM Home Video is notorious for lacking in the special features sections of their DVD releases, so this product is actually commendable on their part. Of course, the UK DVD release of "24HPP" (complete with a Factory catalog number - FACDVD 424) is a 2-disc set packed with extras vastly superior to what's offered to us poor Yanks. So while I'd give the film five stars, the DVD rates only three, thus my average of four stars overall.
Rating: 
Summary: 5 Stars with Wilson's Commentary - 3 Stars Without
Review: I've always been a big fan of Factory Records, I think the idea behind the label was brillant and it was sad when they shut down. So I was very excited to hear about this movie but after a year of false advertising it never played in my neck of the woods, so I had to wait for DVD. After watching the DVD I have to say the movie in it's self as a story was a dud about half through - the Happy Mondays era (although I have to say that I never really liked Mondays so I'm a bit prejudice here). The actors were great (esp. the 2 actors that were playing Ian Curtis and Joy Division/New Order manager Rob Gretton). I kinda think it would have worked much better as a documentary than as a docu-drama and some of things that are conceved in the movie are pretty inaccurate. Although this coming from somebody who's a lot about the history of Factory so I'm probably being nit-picky. However Tony Wilson's commentary track makes up for the movie's shortcomings. He adds more detail and history to some of major scenes and will tell you when a scene is flat out wrong. Which makes me wonder if the screenwriter and production people for the movie actually read his book (which will be here in the stated in March) or just took stories from various people and publications (NME and Melody Maker - Factory's two least favorite). So while I do recommend this movie - I do so because of the commentary not because of the acutual movie.
Rating:
Summary: Madchester isn't dead.
Review: I bought this DVD before I had actually seen the movie. I got the soundtrack as a birthday present last year--it is like the mix tape you always hoped someone would give you. So, based on the soundtrack, I figured the movie had to be good. And it is! If you are a fan of Britpop, then this is a movie you have to see. The movie chronicles the life of Tony Wilson & the bands that he introduced to the world--it is nice to see bands like Joy Division & New Order get the props that they deserve. The film is very quirky--lots of speaking directly to the camera, real footage spliced with the actors, crazy graphics, surreal sequences. A real rock n'roll feast.
Rating:
Summary: One of 2002's best films!
Review: What a terrific film this is! The U.K.'s most eclectic filmmaker turns his gaze this time back to the late Seventies and early Eighties for '24 Hour Party People', a unique docu-drama look at the music scene in Manchester at the time. Tony Wilson and his Factory Records ruled the scene with such groups as Joy Division/New Order, Happy Mondays and others. This is a nostalgic, funny and fascinating look back at this period. Every element of the film is first rate especially Steve Coogan as the amazingly ambitious TonyWilson the real stand out. Needless to say the soundtrack is excellent. Even if you're not a real fan of this music, you will like this film.
Rating: 
Summary: Enjoyed the music, but hated the movie.
Review: After hearing such positive buzz about "24 Hour Party People" I decided to give the film a chance without knowing anything about it. Let me just tell you, I was bored to tears. I like 80s music, I grew up in the 80s so obviusly I love it, but this is a horrible film, and it's only redeaming quality is the good music, which by the way is shown only in very breif segements. Anyone that likes structure or a real story please avoid this film at all costs.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie from the old school!
Review: Ever since I first got into DJing and the club scene, I have always known of the legendary Hacienda nightclub of Manchester. This movie is pretty much the history of that nightclub and it's founder, Tony Wilson. Actor Steve Coogan plays the role of Wilson as we see the rise and fall of his fame through both the Hacienda and his record label, Factory Records. What I also found fascinating about this movie is the portrayal of the origins of groups like Joy Division, New Order, and Happy Mondays. It gives a pretty good look at how the Manchester scene was back when Chicago was living it up with the Wharehouse, Music Box, and Power Plant. While I enjoyed the story and the comedic bits that director Michael Winterbottom and writer Frank Cottrell Boyce slipped into this, I can't see this movie appealing to anyone outside of independent movie buffs and/or nightlife history nuts like myself. I think this is definitely a movie worth seeing for anyone who liked movies like Groove or Trainspotting. I'll definitely get this on DVD when it comes out.
Rating:
Summary: Manchester music scene
Review: The film "24 Hour Party People" is presented in documentary style by narrator Steve Coogan who plays Tony Wilson--a television journalist. The film begins in the late 70s with Wilson lucky enough to attend an early Sex Pistols concert (with footage thrown in). Wilson's assignments lack a certain seriousness, but he compensates by promoting the Punk Rock scene in Manchester. Wilson forms Factory Records "an experiment in human nature," opens the Hacienda club in Manchester, and explains that the music scene "is like a helix"--as one trend ascends--another descends. And we see trends come and go. The film charts the rise of Joy Division and the band's metamorphosis into New Order, and the introduction of Rave music "when even the white man dances." If you enjoyed the music of the 80s or have an interest in music history, you will probably enjoy this film. Coogan adds an amusing touch as the enterpreneur Tony Wilson.
Rating:
Summary: "Should have signed The Smiths.."
Review: Micheal Winterbottom's "24 Hour Party People" is a phenomenal piece of film. From the beginning scene where Tony paraglides to the closing moments of the visitation, all of my senses were indulged with the sweetest drug there is; music! My only complaint is an insufficient amount of newOrder coverage. Joy Division, Vini Reilly [ Durutti Column ], A Certain Ratio, Happy Mondays, new Order etc.. The music is flawless and unmatched. If only had Tony Wilson signed The Smiths.. GOD KNOWS..?! ABSOLUTELY A STELLAR PIECE OF CINEMATIC JOY!!
Rating:
Summary: being there...
Review: I saw this film recently and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. If you are an afficiando of the Manchester sound or early techno you will cherish this. This film brings to life the incredible sights and sounds you would have experienced at that time in England. It is one of those rare movies that are so much fun to watch you lose track of time all together, and when it ends you only want more. I can't wait to get this gem in my collection!
Rating:
Summary: Don't you want to hear good music?
Review: That was fun! Oh wait, you haven't seen it yet. 24 Hour Party People is a worth-see, even if you know very little about the Manchester punk era and the name "Joy Division" makes you go, "huh?" But the more you know about the era the more you will enjoy the self-referential storytelling that Michael Winterbottom makes fly from the opening flying scenes. And thank you Steve Coogan for embodying Tony Wilson so well that he comes across entertainingly, theatrically real without being likeable at all. The film does run out of story to tell towards the end, but what a ride and what a great tale of a true come-back kid. (FYI, there's a really good Joy Division boxed set now available called "Heart and Soul"/2001)
| 
